THE FLORAL WORLD AND GARDEN GUIDE. 257 



TURNEE'S NEW PINKS. 



(With Coloured Plate of Godfrey) 



)|HE beautiful pink Godfrey, which we have the pleasure of 

 figuring in the present number, is one of a magnificent 

 series of new show varieties, introduced to public notice 

 for the first time during the present season, by Mr. 

 Chas. Turner, of the Royal Nurseries, Slough. The whole 

 of the series, which will be described as we proceed, when exhibited 

 before the Royal Horticultural Society in June, received the highest, 

 award the Moral Committee could confer. The fact of their being 

 in the hands of Mr. Charles Turner, who has probably done more 

 towards the advancement of floriculture than any other man living, 

 is a sufficient guarantee of their great excellence ; but we have 

 mentioned the fact of their having first-class certificates conferred 

 upon them as a further proof that they are each and all quite dis-' 

 tinct from, and superior to, the best in general cultivation. 



Before proceeding to describe the varieties here referred to, 

 we are anxious to direct attention to a few of the most essential 

 conditions in the cultivation of the Show Pinks. One of the most 

 important matters is to buy and plant in the autumn, and not 

 wait, as is usually done, until the spring. AVhen planted in the 

 autumn, they become well established by the spring, and flower satis- 

 factorily ; but when the planting is left until the spring, there is not 

 sufficient time for them to be well rooted and make much pro- 

 gress before the flowering season. It is also necessary to plant early 

 in the autumn to insure their being established before the winter 

 sets in. The beds, therefore, should be prepared at once, and the 

 plants put out as soon as they are ready for their reception. The 

 preparation of the beds is a very simple affair, and such as can be 

 performed by the veriest tyro, if the hints here given are followed. 



Excessive moisture is one of the greatest enemies with which the 

 pink has to contend during the winter ; and to avoid the settlement 

 of stagnant moisture about the plants, the surface of the beds 

 should be elevated from six to nine inches above the general level, 

 varying the height according to the character of the soil and situa- 

 tion — beds in low-lying situations, or formed of soils naturally wet or 

 of a retentive character, requiring the greatest elevation. The surface 

 of the bed should be rather higher in the centre, to enable the surplus 

 water after a heavy rain or thaw of snow to escape quickly ; but 

 the fall on each side must not be too great, or the occupants will be 

 deprived of their proper share of moisture during the spring and 

 summer months. The soil must be broken up to a considerable 

 depth, and well pulverized, and a plentiful proportion of thoroughly- 

 decayed hotbed or stable manure incorporated with it. If the staple 

 soil is of an uncongenial character, the addition of a liberal layer of 

 turfy loam will be of considerable service in promoting a healthy 

 growth. Leave a space of about two feet between the beds, to 

 enable the cultivator to examine and attend to the flowers, as may 

 VOL. VI. — NO. ix. 17 



